Two Elizabethtown College Communications students were recently awarded Student Keystone Media Awards in the Best Feature (Broadcast) category by the Pennsylvania News Media Association.
Digital Media Production major Layla Murphy ’25 won second place for her broadcast news package,“Plays in a Day.” Journalism major Faith Morrow ’24 won an honorable mention for her broadcast news package, “Pumpkin Fest Raises Money for Nonprofit,” marking the second straight year that Morrow was recognized for her work.
“Faith and Layla are both outstanding students who produce outstanding work,” Elizabethtown College Professor of Communications, Dr. Kirsten Johnson said. “I’m so happy that their hard work and talent were recognized by the Keystone Media Award judges. They both have bright futures ahead and I’m very proud of them!”
Murphy’s news package centered around the Plays in a Day production, put on by Etown’s Sock & Buskin theatre club. The event requires student plays to be written and executed within 24 hours. Murphy stayed throughout auditions on Friday night, rehearsals on Saturday afternoon, and the final performances on Saturday night.
“I take a lot of time and consideration into every video or audio piece I make, whether it’s for class or an extracurricular like ECTV,” Murphy said. “No matter how small or short a video might seem, I always give it my all when working on it so being awarded for my work is a great honor.”
Murphy’s piece was created for Elizabethtown College Adjunct Professor Ali Lanyon’s COM 316: Broadcast News course.
Morrow’s news package showcased the Middletown Home Pumpkin Fest, an annual festival that raises funds for Middletown Home, a nonprofit assisted living facility. Morrow covered a range of activities, including live music, tractor rides, food trucks, and children’s games.
“I’m appreciative of Dr. Johnson’s encouragement to turn in a submission again this year,” Morrow said. “She taught me what it takes to make an excellent package.”
Morrow’s piece was created for Elizabethtown College Professor of Communication Dr. Tamara Gillis’ Com 485: Communications Capstone course.
The Student Keystone Media Awards recognize excellence in high school and college student journalism. Students who have their work published in their school media, such as newspapers or digital news sites, are eligible to enter. Murphy and Morrow will be honored at an awards luncheon on Thursday, April 11 at WITF’s Public Media Center in Harrisburg.
